WILLIAM L. NICHOLLS II

 
WILLIAM L. NICHOLLS II  
William L. Nicholls II, who played a key role in implementing computer-assisted interviewing (CAI) at the U.S Bureau of the Census, passed away in Alexandria, VA, on March 23, 2016, after a brief illness. He was 85. Bill was born July 1, 1930, in New Brunswick, NJ. He graduated from Bucknell University with a B.A. in mathematics and sociology. He also attended Columbia University as a graduate student in the Department of Sociology. After completing his education, he worked at the University of California at Berkeley for over 20 years, starting as a lecturer in sociology in 1959 and then joining the university''s Survey Research Center as Assistant Director and Executive Director. In 1980, he moved to Alexandria when he was hired by the U.S. Bureau of the Census as Director of the Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) Project. For his accomplishments in the automation of survey data collection, he was awarded the Department of Commerce Silver Medal in 1994 and the Bureau of the Census Bronze Medal in 1986. He remained involved in CAI until he retired in 1997. He later served as a contractor for the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Throughout his career, Bill authored and co-authored more than 60 articles and collections on CAI. He also presented papers and attended meetings as a lecturer or contributor at conferences in the U.S. and around the world. In addition, he founded, organized or chaired conferences for the U.S. Bureau of the Census and professional organizations. Bill loved classical music, fine art, movies, travel, and fine dining. He was a voracious reader, and was particularly interested in history. He is survived by his son, Andrew K. Nicholls, of Falls Church, VA; and his daughter, Bonnie Nicholls, of San Diego, CA.  No services are being held.